SNAPSHOT

Available since Windows Server 2008, the snapshot functionality is close to the snapshots we are used to with VMs.

ACTIVATE SNAPSHOTS

• Open the command prompt as administrator.

• Enter: ntdsutil

• Enter: activate instance ntds

CREATE A SNAPSHOT

• Open the command prompt as administrator.

• Enter: create

LIST AVAILABLE SNAPSHOTS

• Open the command prompt as administrator.

• Enter: list all

MOUNTING A SNAPSHOT

• Open the command prompt as administrator.

• Enter the snapshot to remount (the number): mount X

RESTORE FROM SNAPSHOT

• Go to the SNAPSHOT folder C:$SNAP_DATE_VOLUMEC$\Windows\NTDS

We note that the ntds.dit file is available, so all that remains is to repeat the same operation as in the previous chapter to perform the restoration.

SNAPSHOTS LIMITS

• Requires thinking about doing snapshots on a regular basis before major changes.

• As with restoring through the backup feature, not all attributes are restored.

BENEFITS OF SNAPSHOTS

• All tools are installed by default.

• Allows you to view the contents of snapshots.